CHELSEA star Andrey Santos has joined Vasco de Gama on loan until the end of the season.
The 18-year-old joined the Blues for £18million in January.
But he is yet to break into Graham Potter’s first-team plans and the club has confirmed his loan switch to Vasco de Gama.
They are keen for the midfielder to continue his development at the club, who he helped to promotion to Brazil’s Serie A last year.
He was spotted in the stands on Saturday watching Vasco de Gama in action ahead of the loan switch.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea will cover all of Santos’ wages for the duration of his spell in Brazil.
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That means the Blues are set for an outlay worth thousands of pounds, without Santos even playing a minute for the club.
However the youngster has shown promise since his move to Stamford Bridge.
He has impressed on the international stage, captaining Brazil to glory at the Under-20s South American Championship.
Santos scored the winner in the final against Uruguay and even finished the tournament as the joint-top scorer with six goals.
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Potter recently revealed Santos is still awaiting a work permit to be allowed to play for Chelsea.
The Blues reportedly applied for an exceptional talent visa to allow Santos to play but it has been turned down.
Potter said ahead of the game against Southampton last month: “Andrey’s still in the same place. We’re looking at what the options are for him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
